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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 04-13-2017CITY OF PLYMOUTH COUNCIL INFO MEMO April 13, 2017 EVENTS / MEETINGS Official City Meeting Calendars ......................................................................................................... Page 2 Tentative List of Agenda Items ........................................................................................................... Page 5 CORRESPONDENCE Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan .......................................................................... Page 8 Metropolitan Council’s Proposed Transit Fare Increases and Public Comment Meetings ............... Page 11 Police Encourage Caution, Courtesy When Approaching Intersections with Flashing Yellow Turn Arrows ............................................................................................. Page 18 REPORTS & OTHER ARTICLES OF INTEREST Costs Mount for Disability Transit Service Metro Mobility, Star Tribune ....................................... Page 20 Met Council Poised to Relieve Exurban City over Pipe Built for Ambitious Growth, Star Tribune ............................................................................................ Page 25 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5:00 PM Primavera Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony Plymouth Creek Center 6:30 PM Fire Dept. Employee Appreciation Event Ramada, 2705 Annapolis Lane North 22 11:00 AM Primavera Exhibit Open Plymouth Creek Center 2311:00 AM Primavera Exhibit Open 6:30 PM Primavera/Literary Night Plymouth Creek Center 24 25 26 27 28 29 April 2017 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR Phone: 763-509-5000 Fax: 763-509-5060 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING PCC Feasibility Study, Parking Ramp Concept Plan for Agora Dev., Sexual Predator Ordinance Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers CANCELLED 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA) MEETING Medicine Lake Room SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT 5:30 PM JOINT COUNCIL/HRA MEETING Workforce, Senior and Affordable Housing Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Plymouth Home Expo Plymouth Creek Center 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Plymouth Home Expo Plymouth Creek Center 30 Page 2 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 6:00 PM Walk with the Mayor Plymouth Creek Center 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kids Garage Sale Plymouth Creek Center 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 May 2017 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR Phone: 763-509-5000 Fax: 763-509-5060 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC) MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA) MEETING Medicine Lake Room SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT MEMORIAL DAY CITY OFFICES CLOSED 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Financial Plan and Budget Goals Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Lodging Tax and Sexual Predator Ordinance Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Bark in the Park Hilde Performance Center Page 3 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 June 2017 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 OFFICIAL CITY CALENDAR Phone: 763-509-5000 Fax: 763-509-5060 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC) MEETING Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC) MEETING Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Council Chambers SUN TUES MON WED THUR FRI SAT 7:00 PM HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA) MEETING Medicine Lake Room CHANGES ARE NOTED IN RED 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Music in Plymouth 5K Run/Walk Hilde Performance Center 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers Page 4 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items April 25, Joint Meeting with HRA, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room •Workforce, senior, and affordable housing April 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers •Update from County Attorney Mike Freeman •Update from County Commissioner Jeff Johnson •Accept donation from Wayzata Youth Hockey Association for Plymouth Ice Center dasher board project •Approve Change Order No. 1 for the Plymouth Ice Center dasher board project (IC170001.171) •Award bid for Northwest Greenway Trail Segment Three construction project (PR140005.171) •Review future trail projects •Consider approval of East Medicine Lake Park Master Plan and authorize advertisement of Phase One Bids (PR170001.171) •Accept 2017-2018 Property Casualty report •Approve Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Creekside Hills 2nd Addition •Approve Wetland Replacement Plan Application for Meadow Ridge Ponds •Award Contract for 2018 Mill and Overlay Utility Maintenance – Storm and Sanitary Sewer Project (ST189004.001) •Award Contract for 2017 Storm and Sanitary Sewer Materials •Award Contract for 2018 Mill & Overlay Utility Maintenance – Water Main Project (ST189004.001) •Reject Bids and Re-advertise for Bids for Utility Line Repairs and Replacement •Approve Site Plan Amendment to allow construction of a new park shelter and related improvements at East Medicine Lake Park at 1740 Medicine Lake Boulevard East (ISG on behalf of the City of Plymouth – 2017020) •Approve Final Plat for single family lots for Enclave on the Greenway Third Addition (Pulte Group – 2017023) •Approve Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and Variance for construction of Home2 Suites at 3000 Harbor Lane (Plymouth Hotel Group LLC – 2017019) •Order and Accept Preliminary Engineering Report, Order and Accept Plans and Specifications, Call for a Public Hearing, Order Advertisement for Bids, Declare Costs to be Assessed, and Set Assessment Hearing for the 2017 Contractor Mill and Overlay Project (ST179004.002) May 9, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room •Lodging tax •Sexual Predator Ordinance May 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers May 23, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room •Financial Plan and budget goals May 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers Page 5 •Oaths of Office to Police Officers Kasey Beran, Brady Hector, Paul Nystrom, and Brianna Bannon June 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers •Continued hearing on lodging tax June 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers •Proclaim August 1 as “Night to Unite” July 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers •Announce Kids Fest on August 3 August 8, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers August 15, Special, 6:00 p.m. Medicine Lake Room •Budget and CIP August 22, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room •Budget and CIP August 22, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers August 29, Special, 6:00 p.m. Medicine Lake Room (if needed) •Budget and CIP September 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers •Announce Plymouth on Parade on September 23 •Approve 2018 proposed budget, preliminary general property tax levy, HRA levy and budget hearing date September 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers October 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers October 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers November 14, Special, 5:30 p.m. Medicine Lake Room •Budget November 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers November 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers December 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers •Public hearing on 2018 budget, general property tax levy, HRA levy, and 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Program •Approve 2018 Target and Trap Shooting License renewal •Approve 2018 Amusement License renewals •Approve 2018 Tobacco License renewals Page 6 Budget Calendar 2018-2019 Biennial Budget Preparation & 5-yr Capital Improvement Plan Date Category Description April 17, 2017 Budget Departments receive budget instruction May 23 at 5:30 p.m. Budget Council Study Session – Financial Plan & Budget Goals April – June 2017 Budget Departments prepare budgets June 2, 2017 Budget Personnel changes submitted to HR June 12, 2017 Budget Budgets submitted to Finance June 26 – July 14, 2017 Budget Department meetings August 4 Budget Council receives budget materials for upcoming meeting August 15 at 6 p.m. Budget & CIP Council study session (Budget & CIP meeting #1) August 22 at 5:30 p.m. Budget & CIP Council Study Session (Budget & CIP meeting #2) Council Regular Session (Financial Overview & Audit Presentation) August 29 at 6 p.m. Budget & CIP Council Study Session (Budget meeting #3) (if needed) September 12, 2017 Budget Council adopts preliminary levies & budget (Budget meeting #4) October 4, 2017 CIP Planning Commission public hearing November 14 at 5:30 p.m. Budget Council Study Session (Budget meeting #5) (If needed) December 12, 2017 Budget & CIP Budget Public Hearing, CIP, Budget & Levy Adoption December 26, 2017 Budget Levy is certified with Hennepin County Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Business Item No. 2017-84 SW Transportation Committee Meeting date: April 10, 2017 For the Metropolitan Council meeting of April 12, 2017 Subject: Authorization for public hearings on regional transit fares; approval of public hearing content for potential fare adjustments District(s), Member(s): All Policy/Legal Reference: Public Accountability Policy 2-1, Public Hearings Procedure 2-1b; Transit Fare Policy Changes 3-2-6, Implementing Procedure 3-2-6a Staff Prepared/Presented: Brian J. Lamb, General Manager, Metro Transit (612-349-7510) Nick Thompson, Director, MTS (651-602-1754) Edwin D. Petrie, Director of Finance, Metro Transit (612-349-7624) Gerri Sutton, Asst. Director Contracted Transit Services, MTS (651-602-1672) Nick Eull, Senior Manager of Revenue Operations, Metro Transit (612-349-7364) Michelle Fure, Manager of Public Involvement, Regional Administration (651-602-1545) Division/Department: Metro Transit, Metropolitan Transportation Services Proposed Action That the Metropolitan Council 1.Authorize a series of public meetings on potential fare adjustments for regular route transit, dial- a-ride transit and paratransit services operated and/or funded by the Metropolitan Council (including Metro Transit, Metro Mobility, and suburban transit providers) and 2.Approve information scheduled to be presented at public hearings and public meetings for the purpose of public comment and input prior to adoption of any regional fare adjustments. Background •As a result of inflationary pressures, growth in Metro Mobility demand, and reductions in Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) receipts, the Metropolitan Transportation Division is facing a projected State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2018-2019 deficit of nearly $74 million. One of the recommended solutions to help resolve this projected deficit is a fare adjustment. •The Council aims to achieve an average farebox recovery rate on regular route bus service of 28.5 percent. The farebox recovery rate for bus has been trending downward and fell below 28 percent in 2014. •Federal guidelines and Metropolitan Council policy require that fare adjustments be reviewed through a public hearing and public comment process prior to adoption. This authorization will set in motion the process of having these hearings in a timely manner and allowing time for public input, Council consideration of options, and actual implementation as soon as feasible, within the constraints of resources, contracts and procedures. •Staff have developed a combination of measured and balanced adjustments for revenue enhancements, to help address this shortfall with the minimum of possible impacts to the riding public and the region as a whole. •Council policy as well as state and federal guidelines require public hearings for the purpose of input prior to implementation of any significant fare adjustment by the public transit system. Page 11 •Public hearings and meetings are scheduled in May and June 2017. Specific meeting dates, locations, and times, as well as other channels for public input, are contained in this business item. •Summaries of the recommended changes and public input will be presented to the Transportation Committee in July 2017 prior to presentation to the Council for final consideration. •Implementation of new fares is scheduled for fall 2017. Rationale The proposed authorization for public hearings on fare adjustments and the presentation of this material at public hearings for public comment will assist in the process to bring forward regional fare adjustments to aid in balancing the Metropolitan Transportation Division’s projected SFY 2018-2019 budget deficit. Thrive Lens Analysis A fare increase will impact all public transit customers in the Twin Cities region. Staff have analyzed and included options for mitigating increases to the region’s most transit dependent customers with adoption of a low income fare program. These proposals have also passed a Title VI analysis, which tests whether proposals have a disparate impact on low-income communities, or communities of color. In addition, staff have included other options that could help offset a fare increase for seniors, youth and Medicare card holders. Funding The Metropolitan Council last took action to increase fares effective Oct. 1, 2008. This action was an effort to raise revenues to offset a budget deficit and to preserve the farebox recovery rate. This proposal for the public hearings will include proposed fare adjustments for services operated by all regional transit providers participating in the regional fare structure. Known Support / Opposition This action is to open the process for receiving formal public comment about the potential fare increase –there’s no known opposition to that process. However, in preliminary outreach with suburban transit providers, several agencies have indicated concern and potential opposition to a fare increase. In addition, community constituencies have appeared before the Council to voice opposition to a fare increase. Following the public comment process, we will have more specific information related to support or opposition for any fare increase that may be proposed later this year. Page 12 Public Hearings/Meetings for Proposed Changes to Regional Transit Fares Public comment period from April 13 to June 26, 2017 The Metropolitan Council will also receive public comments via the following methods: -Mail: Public Information, Metropolitan Council, 390 N. Robert. St., St. Paul, MN 55101 -Email: public.info@metc.state.mn.us -Recorded line: 651-602-1500 -TTY: 651-291-0904 Informational Displays Displays explaining the fare change, along with comment cards will be available in the lobby during regular business hours of the Metro Transit F.T. Heywood Building at and the Metropolitan Council offices at 390 North Robert St., St. Paul. Transit representatives will also be present at busy transit stations and stops throughout the region during May and June. For updates and to learn more, visit metrocouncil.org or follow us on Facebook. Public Hearings Public hearings are opportunities for people to offer formal public testimony – delivered orally or in writing - on the proposed increase to regional transit fares. There will also be information about the proposed fare increase available, and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about the proposal and its impact prior to the public hearing and after the close of the hearing. Wednesday, May 17: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rum River Library Meeting Room 4201 – 6th Avenue, Anoka Near regional park-and-ride facilities for routes 766, 850, 860, and the Northstar Line Wednesday, May 31: noon to 1 p.m. Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis Served by many regional transit routes Wednesday, June 7: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Burnhaven Library Meeting Room 1101 County Rd 42 W, Burnsville Served by regional route 444 Wednesday, June 14: 6 p.m. Metropolitan Council Chambers 390 North Robert St., St. Paul Served by many regional transit routes Page 13 Public Meetings Public meetings will be like traditional open houses, with information about the proposed fare increase available, and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about the proposal and its impact. People will be able to offer public comment, though there will be no formal opportunity to offer testimony at the public meetings. Thursday, May 11: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Chanhassen Library, Wilder Meeting Room 7711 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen Near regional park-and-ride facilities for routes 690, 691, 692,695, 698, 699 Tuesday, May 23: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Stillwater Library, Margaret Rivers Room 224 – 3rd St. N., Stillwater Near regional park-and-ride for route 294 Tuesday, May 30: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Maplewood Library, Meeting Room 3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood Served by regional transit routes 64, 80, 219 and 223. Near regional park-and-ride for routes 265, 270, 272 Wednesday, May 31: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wescott Library, Meeting Room 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan Served by regional transit route 446 Near regional park-and-ride facilities for routes 437, 438, 440, 444, 445, 446, 470, 472, 475, 480, 484, 491, 492, and METRO Red Line Thursday, June 1: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Plymouth Library, Meeting Room 15700 36th Ave N, Plymouth Served by regional transit routes 740, 741 Near regional park-and-ride facilities for routes 672, 674, 675, 776, 790, 793 Monday, June 5: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Savage Library, Meeting Room 13090 Alabama Ave. S., Savage Served by regional transit route 444. Near regional park-and-ride facilities for routes 421, 464 Thursday, June 8: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Southdale Library, Meeting Room 7001 York Ave. S., Edina Served by regional transit routes 6, 537, 538 Tuesday, June 13: 6 to 7 p.m. North Regional Library, Meeting Room 1315 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis Served by regional transit routes 5 and 32 Page 14 Regional Fare Adjustment Proposals For proposed implementation on Sept. 1, 2017 Regional Bus and Light Rail Fares Current Fare Increase Proposal 1: $0.25 increase Fare Increase Proposal 2: $0.50 increase Cash Fare Increases Full Fare Reduced Fare Full Fare Reduced Fare Full Fare Reduced Fare Local Bus & METRO Regular Fares $1.75 $0.75 $2.00 $1.00 $2.25 $1.00 Local Bus & METRO Rush Fares $2.25 $2.25 $2.50 $2.50 $2.75 $2.75 Express Bus Regular Fares $2.25 $0.75 $2.50 $1.00 $2.75 $1.00 Express Bus Rush Fares $3.00 $3.00 $3.25 $3.25 $3.50 $3.50 Limited Mobility:$0.75/Ride Limited Mobility:$1/Ride Limited Mobility:$1/Ride Rush Hours Current Proposed Monday - Friday No Change Morning Peak Hours 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. Afternoon Peak Hours 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Northstar Fares All Fare Types (Full Fare, Senior, Youth, and Limited Mobility) Current Proposal 1: $0.25 Increase Proposal 2: $0.50 Increase All Weekday Fares (One-Way)Varies by Station All fares increase $0.25 All fares increase $0.50 All Weekend Fares (One-way)Varies by Station All fares increase $0.25 All fares increase $0.50 31-Day Passes Current Proposal 1: $0.25 Increase Proposal 2: $0.50 Increase Local Off-peak $59.00 $72.00 $81.00 Local Peak $85.00 $90.00 $99.00 Express Off-Peak $85.00 $90.00 $99.00 Express Peak $113.50 $117.00 $126.00 Limited Mobility $31.50 $36.00 Page 15 Transfers Current Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Transfer Duration and Cost 2.5 Hours/No Additional Cost No Change 10 Ride Cards & 7-Day passes Current Proposal 1 Proposal 2 Young Adult 10-Ride $13.50 $17.50 $18.75 Full Fare 10-Ride $18.50 $25.00 $27.50 Full fare 7-Day Pas $22.00 $25.00 $27.50 Other Fare Change Options Current Proposed 10% Bonus on Stored Value Loads $10 or More 10% Bonus No Bonus Reduced Fare Rates During Rush Pay Full Fare Reduced Fare Rate Express Fare Categories Off-Peak and Peak Rates One Single Express Category Downtown Zone Fares $0.50/Ride $1/Ride Transit Accessibility Pass (TAP)N/A $1/Ride Transit Schools Program 5% Discount 0%/Eliminate Program Reduced Metro Mobility Fare when Transferring to Fixed Route at Designated Fixed Route Station None To Be Considered Transit Link** Current Fare Proposal 1: $1.60 Average Increase Proposal 2: $1.85 Average Increase Proposal 1 & 2 Off-Peak $2.25 $3.50 $3.75 + $1.25 for trips greater than 15 milesPeak$2.25 $4.50 $4.75 Metro Mobility** Current Fare Proposal 1: $0.50 Increase Proposal 2: $0.75 Increase Off-Peak (ADA)$3.00 $3.50 $3.75 No Distance Surcharge for ADA TripsPeak (ADA)$4.00 $4.50 $4.75 Off-Peak (Non-ADA)$3.00 $3.50 $3.75 + $1.25 for trips greater than 15 milesPeak (Non-ADA)$4.00 $4.50 $4.75 **These programs only accept GOTO Stored Value and Cash. Page 16 Transfers Current Proposal 1 & 2 Transfer Duration and Cost 2.5 Hours/No Additional Cost No Change Other Fare Products Current Scenario 1 Scenario 2 6-Hour Pass (Full Fare)$3.50 – $4.00 $4.00 - $4.50 $4.50 - $5.00 6-Hour Pass (Reduced Fare)$1.50 - $3.00 $2.00 - $3.50 $2.00 - $3.75 Visitor Pass $4.50 $5.00 $5.50 All-Day Pass (Full Fare)$3.50 - $4.50 $4.00 - $5.00 $4.50 - $5.50 All-Day Pass (Reduced Fare)$1.50 - $4.50 $2.00 - $5.00 $2.00 - $5.50 Day Pass/24-Hour Pass $6.00 Eliminate Eliminated Downtown All-Day pass $1.00 $2.00 $2.00 Pre-paid Single Ride Fares Current Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Tokens $87.50/Bag $112.50/bag $125/bag One Ride Coupons $2.70 ea.$2.90 ea.$3.15 ea. Page 17 City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release April 10, 2017 Contact: Scott Kirchner Patrol Officer Plymouth Police Department 763-509-5160 skirchner@plymouthmn.gov Plymouth police encourage caution, courtesy when approaching intersections with flashing yellow turn arrows Plymouth, Minn. – Traffic signals that feature a flashing yellow arrow have become an increasingly common method of intersection control in the metro area. Plymouth Police want motorists to know that while flashing yellow arrows can improve traffic flow, motorists can also create safety hazards if they don’t encounter them appropriately. Plymouth Police are hearing complaints about drivers who take risks at flashing yellow arrows or honk at those in front of them who choose to wait for a larger gap in oncoming traffic. Additionally, police know of at least one Plymouth intersection where an analysis of crashes showed that nearly half were due to drivers not yielding at a flashing yellow arrow. Plymouth Police examined data from March 10, 2016 through Feb. 22, 2017 for the intersection of Rockford Road and Fernbrook Lane. The intersection was the site of 34 crashes. Sixteen crashes – or 47 percent – directly related to a vehicle failing to yield at a flashing yellow arrow. The Plymouth Traffic Unit has been working with Hennepin County to reprogram and restrict the timing of the flashing yellow turn arrows to address safety issues. Traffic officers have also requested that signals be changed to disable flashing yellow arrows when pedestrians push the walk button to increase pedestrian safety in crosswalks. Police Chief Mike Goldstein emphasized that safety needs to be the top priority for motorists at intersections. “Distraction, impatience and lack of understanding can contribute to serious and even deadly crashes. Nearly half of the crashes at Fernbrook Lane and Rockford Road could have been avoided had people properly yielded or if motorists had shown some courtesy and not honked at the driver in front of them – encouraging them to turn when they did not feel it was safe to do so,” he said. How Flashing Yellow Turn Arrows Work The signals feature the standard red, yellow and green arrows, but also include a flashing yellow arrow, which allows waiting motorists to make a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. -MORE- Page 18 What the signals mean: Red arrow: Drivers must stop and wait – do not enter an intersection to turn. Solid yellow arrow: The left turn signal is about to change to red – drivers should prepare to stop or complete a left turn with caution. Flashing yellow arrow: Drivers are allowed to turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap to turn. Green arrow: Left turns have the right of way. Oncoming traffic has a red light. -30- Page 19 Local Costs mount for disability transit service Metro Mobility — Leila Navidi, Star Tribune Lolly Lijewski, who uses a seeing eye dog named Jiffy for vision impairment, is helped off the Metro Mobility bus by driver Rigoberto Zuniga outside her work in St. Paul. By Eric Roper and Janet Moore, Star Tribune staff writers April 09, 2017 - 8:45 AM Ridership is surging on the Twin Cities transit service for people with disabilities, and the cost of those Metro Mobility trips is consuming an ever-bigger share of state funding for metro-area transit. The Metropolitan Council expects the number of rides on the federally mandated service will climb to 2.9 million by 2020, about double what it was in 2010. Absent a fix, the projected cost of those trips — $89 million — could force the agency to reduce regular bus service. Page 20 Metro Mobility offers customized, shared-ride transit service to 40,000 people certified as unable to use traditional buses and light rail. A graying and growing population is likely fueling demand, and the Met Council, which oversees Metro Mobility, is one of many transit agencies across the country grappling with rising costs for highly subsidized “paratransit” services. “They talk about the ‘silver tsunami’ as what’s coming, and I think we’re definitely on the front edge of it,” said Michael Richter, owner of Transit Team, one of Metro Mobility’s contracted providers. “And I think it’s going to continue to grow.” Some transit agencies nationwide are eyeing ways to offset the impending demographic shift and rising costs. Boston recently began subsidizing ride-sharing services Lyft and Uber to provide some of the paratransit service. That has attracted the interest of the Minnesota Senate, which included the creation of a Metro Mobility task force in its budget bill to examine partnerships with smartphone-based or taxi transportation services. “At minimum, it pushes the Met Council and Metro Mobility to think outside the box,” said Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, who introduced a companion bill in the House. The rising demand for Metro Mobility comes at a time of sharp budget pressures for the Met Council. It already entered this year with a $74 million deficit — due in part to a decline in Page 21 projected revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax levied on new vehicle sales. That translates into a $24 million deficit for Metro Mobility over the next two years. Meanwhile, Republicans at the Legislature are pushing to nearly eliminate the council’s general fund appropriation — now at $90 million — by 2021. The Met Council cried foul when the proposals were announced earlier this month, saying local bus and light rail service would be cut by 40 percent. Metro Mobility is a particularly rigid part of the council’s overall budget, as rides can’t be denied within the federally mandated service area, but Met Council Chair Adam Duininck said it wouldn’t be spared from the cuts. “We would have to look at reducing our service as much as we are legally able to do, I believe,” Duininck said, adding that it could also mean raising Metro Mobility fares higher than anticipated. But Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, chairman of the House Transportation Finance Committee, said the Met Council’s claim about transit service cuts are “exaggerated a bit,” noting that the transportation budget is still a work in progress. Eyeing fixes Metro Mobility costs have risen about 65 percent in the past decade, mirroring an equal rise in ridership. The Met Council hired a consultant to study what’s driving that rise in ridership and forecast how it might shift in the future. Last year was the first in a decade when expenses remained flat, however, after the Met Council rebid its contracts and changed its service model. But ridership is expected to continue to climb with the aging population. “People want to remain in their communities, but in some communities they can’t easily walk to the grocery store or to a health care provider or to connect with other people,” said Will Phillips, director for AARP Minnesota. “Transportation is oftentimes a link to their ability to remain healthy and not be isolated and stranded in their own homes.” To raise revenue, the Met Council might increase fares for all modes of transit, including Metro Mobility — a move also expected to dampen demand. Metro Mobility passengers pay $3 or $4 for each ride, depending on the time of day. A fare hike of 50 cents or 75 cents could generate $11.6 million to $12.8 million over the next two years. But council members are quick to point out that a fare increase by itself won’t be enough. Page 22 The council supports Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposal for a half-cent sales tax in the metro area for transit, but that idea seems unlikely, given the tenor at the Capitol. Fares cover little of Metro Mobility’s total expense; its subsidies exceed any other type of transit at more than $20 a ride. Some agencies elsewhere in the country have reduced paratransit service areas to cut costs. The federal Americans with Disabilities Act requires transit agencies to provide a paratransit option like Metro Mobility within three-quarters of a mile of all-day local transit. That spans about 500 square miles in the Twin Cities, from Anoka to Shakopee and from Mound to Oakdale. But in Minnesota, the Legislature in 2006 mandated service to an additional 600 square miles, an area that accounts for about 30 percent of the rides. A consultant examining Metro Mobility for the Met Council has found that among 11 peer cities, six provide service only to the minimum area required under federal law. “I think that’s a terrible idea,” said Nicole Villavicencio, a disability rights advocate. “You can’t offer services to someone and then take it back, after it’s already been established.” Demand for service Despite its budget woes, Metro Mobility remains an invaluable resource for many people who need to get around the Twin Cities. “I am able to get out in the community and volunteer, and I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to,” said Patty Thorsen, a Metro Mobility rider who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and several other medical conditions. The bulk of the registered riders are over 60, but the largest share of the rides are taken by people aged 45 to 74. It is a door-through-door service, meaning drivers leave the vehicle to help people onto the van. About 25 to 30 percent of rides require use of the wheelchair lift. Drivers are paid a starting wage of $14 an hour, and turnover is between 40 percent and 50 percent a year. “The drivers are superbusy,” said Paul Slattery, a spokesman for Teamsters Local 120, which represents about 450 Metro Mobility drivers who work for First Transit. “We’re pushing our times all the time.” But some users are still less than satisfied with the service. Page 23 Mark Hughes, a Metro Mobility rider who hosts a cable access show called Disability Viewpoints, said the vehicles are frequently late and some rides take much longer than they should. “As a citizen I’m concerned about what we’re getting,” Hughes said. “I’m not asking for a limousine, but it’s less than the best.” Eric Roper • 612-673-1732 Twitter: @StribRoper Janet Moore • 612-673-7752 Twitter: @StribMoore Page 24 SOUTH METRO 419326784 Met Council poised to relieve exurban city over pipe built for ambitious growth $16 million wastewater project was intended for growth that never came. By Eric Roper Star Tribune APRIL 12, 2017 — 9:20PM RENEE JONES SCHNEIDER - Star Tribune file The end of a road next to the elementary school at right and farmland at left that has never been developed. A small city on the outskirts of the metro area will win financial relief from the Metropolitan Council over a sewer pipe built for growth that never arrived. The Met Council's environment committee signed off Tuesday on a plan to cap Elko New Market's mounting obligations for a $16 million wastewater pipe, which otherwise threatened to ruin the city's finances. It still requires full council approval. The project, which the city requested, was one of two facilities built under a Met Council policy change 15 years ago that aimed to rein in sprawl by offering wastewater services to rural mini-cities. Page 25 But the idea that the projects could pay for themselves largely through fees on booming new development proved overly optimistic. Elko New Market, at the metro area's southern fringe, has so far seen about 20 percent of the projected hookup charges. The story was similar in East Bethel, which won a reprieve from the Met Council last year. Some of Elko New Market's burden will instead be absorbed by the region's broader wastewater system, particularly connection charges paid by developers and businesses. The amount depends on how much growth the city experiences, but council staff said it would be about $7 million over 10 years under current forecasts. Instead of the city's obligations to the Met Council climbing to $10.7 million by 2030, as a consultant projected, it will be capped at $1.2 million. The situation in the two rural cities is unique, since wastewater service came with extra requirements that they repay the council. Ned Smith, with the Met Council's environmental services department, said the recession was one factor that impinged on Elko New Market's growth. "Even in the recovery, there's a recent trend toward increased urbanization and development in the core areas of the Twin Cities," Smith said. "So that growth is happening, it's just not happening in Elko New Market." When the pipe was initially envisioned, Elko New Market's rapid growth was straining a wastewater system that drained into the Vermilion River. It was once forecast to have 13,000 people by 2020, but about 4,500 live there now. The pipe went online in 2011. Met Council members expressed interest in examining how future investments of this nature will be reviewed. The lone "no" vote was cast by Council Member Cara Letofsky, who raised concerns about setting a poor precedent and the cost for the region. Council staff said fees paid by development elsewhere in the region, enough to build reserves, are sufficient to cover at least the near-term costs of the deal. "So we are going to be able to pay the bills, but we're paying it with growth that is happening in other parts of the region," Letofsky said. eric.roper@startribune.com 612-673-1732 StribRoper Page 26